Looking To Land A Job When You’re Overqualified?

Come Recommended

Jan. 11, 2012, 12:00 PM

By Mona Abdel-Halim Landing a stretch job can be a challenge, but isn't nearly as difficult as landing a job when you are over qualified. According to Merriam-Webster, "overqualified" as defined is having more education, training, or experience than a job calls for.For an employer, receiving an application from a candidate who meets those criteria can sometimes set off a three-alarm fire. Not only are such candidates perceived as requiring premium pay, but they also may be perceived as flight risks who will drop the job at the first sign of something better. The potential risks can be blinding, leading recruiters to automatically throw the applicant's resume in the rejection pile despite the possibility for a good fit.

Business Insider reported that 17 million Americans with college degrees are currently employed in roles that don't require a college education, according to New America Foundation. For the 8.7 percent of Americans currently unemployed, this discouraging statistic might be scary for those of you with great years of experience. The challenge is getting an employer to look past your credentials and consider you for a role that isn't an exact match for your prior work experience.

When preparing for your job search, keep these tips in mind to overcome any doubts your employer may have about your plethora of skills, education, and experience:

1. Attitude is everything

I once interviewed a candidate who was clearly overqualified for the position available, but had an interesting resume and would have been a huge asset to the team. I was hoping the candidate would be a match, as I knew our future needs would create opportunities for her down the road.

Unfortunately, when she walked in the door, so did the monkey on her back. Her attitude was terrible and she wore her frustration with my interview questions on her sleeve. Needless to say, what could have been an opportunity to get her foot in the door — and into a better position down the road — turned into an automatic decline for the position.

If you apply for a position in which you are overqualified and are fortunate enough to land an interview, go into the interview with an open mind and the understanding that every position is a door to new opportunities, and you never know when your own ego just might close one for you.

2. Shop your employer

Sometimes the key to finding a position for which you are overqualified is to find the right employer. Typically, larger organizations with multiple types of employees are more open to hiring someone even if the title isn't the perfect initial fit. Talk to people who work at your targeted employer and try to get a feel for their values and the types of employees they seek to hire.

3. Think like the boss

When facing challenges, the best advice is often to deal with the issue head on. The same can be said in the situation of the overqualified candidate. If you have the opportunity to speak with a recruiter or if you are fortunate enough to land an interview, ease potential fears right away. If you have a long history with another organization, play up your loyalty…especially if long-tenure is something you are willing to give to your new employer.

Although discussing salary requirements early on is often taboo, in this case being up front that you understand the range for the position and are realistic and accepting of what it offers might help alleviate any premium pay fears the employer may have.

4. Make it easy

Clearly show the recruiter why you are interested in the position, how you fit in with the organization, and what you have to offer long-term. Look for positions that have the potential to offer future growth if not in the role, at least in the company.

For instance, working as a server is a noble profession, but if you have no aspirations to work in the restaurant industry long-term, taking this type of opportunity is unlikely to be a good fit down the road. Connect your skills, education, and experience in a meaningful way to your future position and you increase your hirability right out of the gate.

What are your strategies for dealing with being overqualified for a job?

Mona Abdel-Halim is the co-founder of Resunate.com, the world's only resume builder to score and tailor your resume for every job. You can find Mona and Resunate on Facebook and Twitter.